Iina Alho – Time #3
Time to Build Peace, One Stitch at a Time
I’m not the only one who finds the world a tumultuous and frightening place these days, with leaders who seem to have anything but peace on their minds.
A while ago, I came across some wonderful poems about peace, written by the New Zealand contemporary poet Mary Walker. Now I decided to make a kind of meditative art quilt with inspiration from her poem “Ripples”.
I feel very powerless thinking of all the brutality and terror many innocent people have to face every day. Therefore, these words in the poem are encouraging and give some kind of peace of mind, at least for a little while.
Ripples of whatever pebble you drop
in the pond of your life—
kindness, fear, judgement, peace—
can rock the boat of others
When I do freemotion stitching on the machine, I often enter what could be called a meditative state. But hand stitching is the technique that truly gives me time to think, with its quiet, repetitive movements. Sitting in silence, stitching with needle and thread, is a way to restore a sense of peace during stressful times.
Creating this piece is my humble way of participating in craftivism, a movement that embraces “gentle protest” by encouraging reflection, sparking conversation, and fostering dialogue through quiet, thoughtful creation.
This time I am certain of who crocheted the small doilies I have used. They were made by my paternal grandmother Rakel Alho (1911-1992, Finland), who was skilled in many different techniques, weaving, bobbin lace making, dressmaking, needlepoint, knitting, and of course, crocheting. I am sure I have left out some…
Unfortunately, I do not have a lot of her handwork. She used to say that since I made so much myself, she would give what she made to the other grandchildren. And so I have less of her work than I might have wished.
But one thing I have a lot of, are these small colorful doilies, made to be used as coaster under glasses. I like to think my grandmother would appreciate this kind of collaboration.
All the fabrics I have used in this piece are hand dyed or hand painted.
The background is pieced and freemotion quilted.
The boats are freemotion appliquéd, with touches of silver paint along the edges.
All the circles are hand stitched.
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
I like the design and how it relates to the poem, your stitching highlights the ripples around the crochet pieces.. The background is very strong and I feel it overpowers the concept of the boat and ripples. A good choice for your series.
I share your sense of unease about the world around us and I often feel like I am escaping this world when I work on my textile projects ! I love the contrast between the geometric lines in the background and the circles created by the colors. The choice of colourful fabrics bring a sense of vitality to this piece.
Lina, I agree with everything you wrote about the situation in the world, peace, terror, etc. I live in it and it’s hard.
Regarding your quilt, I really like the combination of knitting. The colorful background is so suitable for the flowers you added. and your hand stiching perfect.
It is amazing how much meaning your work carries. Not only reflection on today’s world but also relationship with your grandmother. I agree that the background is dark and busy but that is the reflection of our busy and sometimes dark world.
I think we all have the same sense of worry about the world situation and I agree with you that hand stitching is a way to still the mind. The poem is very apt. I like the way that you have ‘time travelled’ by including your grandmother’s work alongside your own, and the stitching reflects the feeling of ripples on the darker background
Gorgeous message and incredible design. Your had stitches give so much illusion of the ripples. Such attention to details and beautiful quilting. Bravo!
The colours reflect the turmoil of the world while the stitches and boats return us to life drifting quietly by. Great use of your grand-mother’s doilies giving the piece a sense of time. Well done!
A great reflection on our current world situation. Thank you for your words. The quilt is very striking and portrays all that you have written. The stitched ripples are very soothing on the busy background.